DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1912 Session II, A-01

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Session 11. 1912. NEW ZEALAND.

DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES.

Presented to J)oth Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

INDEX.

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Session 11. 1912. NEW ZEALAND. DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES. Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency. INDEX. No. of Series. Date. Subject. Page. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ]4 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 20 1911. April 27 May 4 6 „ 9 „ 18 „ 23 „ 23 „ 24 „ 24 „ 25 „ 25 June 1 1 1 „ 8 „ 13 „ 14 „ 23 „ 29 „ 29 July 6 6 „ 6 „ 13 ., 13 Granting to Ministers privilege to wear Civil uniform of second class Death Duties Act Shipping Conventions Affiliation of certain British regiments to Territorial regiments Postage-rates between New Zealand and French Oceania Conference of Surveyors-General .... Conference re laws relating to bills of exchange, &c. Wireless stations on coast of New Zealand Statistics of Irish trade Tobacco-cultivation in New Zealand Export of gold and silver from Dominion Fifth International Fishery Congress License for Messrs. Maxwell (Limited) in respect Flinto, Caroline, and Vostock Islands Nelson Coronation congratulations Anders Andersen Issue of letters of administration to British Public Trustee, in appropriate cases King Edward's Horse and allied forces ... Messages of congratulation 3 3 J3 ?3 [4 [5 I 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 . 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 11 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 „ 19 „ 28 „ 28 Aug. 10 „ 17 „ 31 „ 31 „ 31 „ 31 Address from Methodist Conference German Consul at Christchurch Dock at Wellington Letters of request Congratulations, Coronation, Wellington Savage Club Sterilization of animal manures in India Souvenir card from Christchurch, Waimate, and Christchurch Civil Service Association : Expressions loyalty Messages from Rotorua and Ohinemutu Instructions Registrars of Shipping Privileges to officers and men New Zealand contingent by London clubs Consul for Spain at Melbourne Hydrographic changes .. Lexicon for secret correspondence Ships' agreements Proceedings Imperial Conference Importation into foreign countries of food products from His Majesty's dominions and colonies.. . 1. 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 13 13 I—I

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INDEX— continued.

No. of ieries. Date. Subject. Page. 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 4;! 44 45 40 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 1911. Sept. 6 „ 6 „ 15 „ 21 „ 21 Oct. 12 „ 12 „ 20 „ 27 „ 27 „ 31 Nov. 3 „ 9 9 9 „ 16 „ 23 Dec. 14 .. 21 „ 27 „ 27 „ 28 „ 28 1912. Jan. 3 >> 3 „ 3 „ 12 „ 18 „ 18 „ 18 „ 19 „ 26 Feb. 8 9 „ 16 „ 23 „ 23 „ 23 „ 23 „ 29 „ 29 Mar. 1 „ 14 „ 20 Portraits of Their Majesties the King and Queen for primary schools Honours White phosphorus in matches Report on Dominions Department Peruvian Consul at Auckland Report of Commandant New Zealand Forces .. .. .. Opening of Parliament Knighthood of Sir Arthur Guinness and Sir Joshua Williams Geneva Convention Bill New Zealand Army List .. .. _ .. .. .. Charges for radio-telegrams on vessels Union Company Appointment of Mr. W. G. Wickham as British Trade Commissioner Anders Andersen Obscene publications Recognition French passenger-steamer certificates Chinese Consul for New Zealand Synopsis of Acts .. .. .. .. .. King's Birthday Communications on military subjects from self-governing dominions Resignation of Sir John Findlay " Queen Alexandra's Own " Regiment Cook Islands Ordinances Nobel Peace Prize .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 13 13 L4 14 14 U 15 15 15 15 16 16 17 17 17 18 18 24 25 25 25 25 26 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 7!) Importation of opium into China .. . . ..... Conference on Commercial Statistics Copyright, patents, &c. Alliance of certain New Zealand regiments with British regiments Emigration of ex-soldiers from England to self-governing dominions Exchange of money-orders between France and England Naval reserves Death Duties Act .. .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand Patents, Designs, and Trade-marks Act, 1911 ... Treaty of arbitration with United States Deferred plain-language telegrams Title of "Honourable," Sir J. G. Findlay Pelagic sealing Life-saving appliances on ships Accident compensation Obscene publications Vice-Consul for Uruguay at Wellington Treaty of commerce and navigation between United Kingdom and Japan Opening of Parliament Workers' Compensation Act Selection of Colonel A. W. Robin to represent New Zealand in oversea section of General Staff at the War Office Licenses for working of wireless telegraphy on board ships Vice-Consul in charge of Italian Consulate-General at Melbourne Letters of request Imperial Copyright Act, 1911 .. .. .. .. International Radio-Telegraphic Conference Alliance of certain New Zealand regiments with regiments of the, British Army International Agricultural Institute Title of " Honourable " for Sir J. Carroll and other Ministers 26 26 26 27 28 29 29 29 30 30 ::i 31 :m 32 32 :S2 32 33 33 33 SO 81 82 s:; 81 85 80 87 „ 20 „ 21 „ 28 „ 28 April 11 „ 11 „ 11 „ 24 34 34 34 35 35 36 35 36

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No: 1. New Zealand, No. 51. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 27th April, 1911.' With reference to your despatch, Miscellaneous, of the 13th February last, stating that His Majesty has been pleased to grant to my Ministers the privilege of wearing the Civil Uniform of the Second Class, I am desired by my Ministers to express their appreciation of the privilege which His Majesty has been so graciously pleased to grant to them. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, ion 1 * 0-131,

No. 2. New Zealand, No. 55. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 4th May, 1911. With reference to the Earl of Crewe's despatch, No. 139, of the 4th July last, relating to Act No. 10 (Death Duties) of 1909, of the Parliament of New Zealand, I have the honour to transmit to you a memorandum, dated the 13th October, 1910, from the Solicitor-General to the Attorney-General of my Government, giving the former's opinion in regard to the points raised by the Board of Inland Revenue as to the relation between the Act referred to and section 20 of the Imperial Finance Act, 1894. My Acting Prime Minister informs me he understands that the AttorneyGeneral (Dr. Findlay) will deal with the matter during his stay in England. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1911. No. 39.

No. 3. New Zealand, No. 56. Sir,— Government House, Auckland, 6th May, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 25, of the 26th January, 1911, covering enclosures from the Board of Trade on the subject of shipping conventions, I have the honour to transmit to you copy of a memorandum, dated the 27th April, 1911, received by my Acting Prime Minister and forwarded to me, from the Hon. J. A. Millar, Minister of Marine, expressing his views in the matter. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1911 No. 122.

No. 4. New Zealand, No. 59. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 9th May, 1911. I have the honour to transmit to you copy of a memorandum, dated the 4th April, 1911, received from my Acting Prime Minister, asking me to communicate with you with a view of obtaining the sanction of His Majesty's Government to the affiliation of the British regiments, enumerated in the memorandum, which have served in New Zealand during the Maori war, to regiments of the Territorial Force of the Dominion. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 4th April, 1911. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Acting Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and respectfully asks if His Excellency would be so good as to place himself in communication with the Home authorities, with a view of obtaining Imperial sanction to the affiliation of the British regiments which have served in New Zealand during the Maori war to regiments of the Territorial Force of the Dominion. The following particulars showing the British regiments which have served in New Zealand, and the regiments of the Territorial Forces to which it is desired that they should be attached, are submitted for His Excellency's information : —

J. Carroll, Acting Prime Minister

No. 5. New Zealand, No. 64. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 18th May, 1911. Referring to your despatch, No. 94, of the 10th March last, on the subject of the reduction of the minimum postage rate between New Zealand and French Oceania, I have the honour to transmit to you copy of a memorandum and draft convention received from my Acting Prime Minister, dealing with the subject referred to. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1911, No. 140.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office. Wellington, 6th May, 1911. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Acting Prime Minister presents his compliments, and begs to refer to Colonial Office despatch No. 94, on the subject of the reduction of the minimum postage rate between New Zealand and French Oceania. As suggested in the despatch from His Majesty's Ambassador at Paris to the Foreign Office, a draft convention has been prepared, and is enclosed herewith for the consideration of the French Government. J. Carroll. (Draft.) Convention to regulate Postat, Rates upon Letters passing between New Zealand and French Oceania. Article I. The High Contracting Parties, in accordance with the provision of Article 21 (twenty-one) of the Universal Postal Union, concluded at Rome on the twenty-sixth day of May, one thousand nine hundred and six, have agreed to modify the postal rates on letters sent from New Zealand addressed to places in French (Wtmia, and on letters sent from French Oceania addressed to places in the Dominion of New Zealand.

British Regiment. Where served. New Zealand Regiment to be affiliated. Suffolk (12th) West Yorks (14th)].. Royal Irish (18th) . . South Lancashire e (40th) Waikato, Thames .. .. 3rd (Auckland) Regiment. Waikato .. .. .. 16th (Waikato) Eegiment. Waikato, Wanganui .. 7th Regiment (Wellington West Coast jg Rifles). Served in New Zealand .. I 9th Regiment (Wellington East Coast y Rifles). Waihi, Thames .. ,-.: 6th (Hauraki) Regiment. Served in New Zealand .. 1st (Canterbury) Regiment. Taranaki .. .. .. j 11th Regiment (Taranaki Rifles). North of Auckland .. ! 15th (North Auckland) Regiment. Taranaki, Hutt, Porirua, Wai- 5th Regiment (Wellington Rifles). kato Served in New Zealand .. '. 2nd (South Canterbury) Regiment. Detachment, Dunedin .. 4th Regiment (Otago Rifles). Served in New Zealand, 1845-7 I 8th Regiment (Southland Rifles). Served in New Zealand, 1845-7 10th Regiment (North Otago Rifles). Oxford and Bucks L.I. (43rd) Royal W T . Kent (50th) Middlesex (57th) Northampton (58th) York and Lancaster (65th) .. Durham L.I, (68th) East Surrey (70th) Manchester (96th) Wilts (99th)

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Article 11. The modifications referred to in the preceding article shall be as follows : — Every letter from New Zealand addressed to French Oceania shall pay postage of one penny (ten centimes of a franc) for every ounce or fraction of that weight, instead of two and a half pence (twenty-five centimes of a franc) for the first ounce or fraction of that weight, and one penny halfpenny (fifteen centimes of a franc) for every additional ounce or fraction of that weight. Every letter from French Oceania addressed to New Zealand shall pay a postage of ten centimes of a franc for every twenty grammes or fraction of that weight, instead of twenty-five centimes of a franc for the first twenty grammes or fraction of that weight, and fifteen centimes of a franc for each additional twenty grammes or fraction of that weight. Article 111. The post-offices of New Zealand and French Oceania shall deliver the letters referred to in the preceding article without making any charge to the addressees, provided that such letters do not bear any indication of insufficient postage, in which case the provision contained in Article XI, paragraph 2, of the Detailed Regulations of the above-mentioned Universal Postal Convention of Borne shall be applicable. Article IV. This convention shall come into operation thirty days after the exchange of its ratifications, and shall remain in force until six months after either of the contracting parties shall have notified to the other its intention of terminating the same.

No. 6. New Zealand, No. 67. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 23rd May, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 95, of the 10th March last, regarding the question of the matters to be considered at the Conference of SurveyorsGeneral, I have the honour to inform you that, with reference to paragraph 2 of such despatch, your assumption that my Government is prepared to consider favourably the question of reciprocity throughout the Empire in regard to surveyors is correct, provided that suitable arrangements can be made to enable this being done. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1911 No. 141.

. ... . No. 7. : New Zealand, No. 68. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 23rd May, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 58, of the 21st February last, regarding the proposed International Conference at The Hague, on the Laws relating to Bills of Exchange and the Unification of the Laws relating to Cheques, I have the honour to transmit to you copy of a memorandum, dated the 15th May, 1911, received from my Acting Prime Minister, embodying the views of my Government in the matter. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis \. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 19) I No. 133.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 15th May, 1911. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Acting Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and with reference to the despatch of the 21st February, 1911, from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and covered by G.H. No. 252/11, respectfully recommends that the British Government be informed that the New Zealand Government hag no suggestions to offer in this matter, but is prepared to take into favourable consideration the question of adhering to any international agreement entered into by the British Government with a view to the unification of the law relating to cheques and other negotiable instruments The British Government should also be informed that the existing law in New Zealand on these matters is substantially identical with the law of England. ~'.., J. Cahroll, Acting Minister of Finance.

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No. 8. New Zealand, No. 70. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 24th May, 1911. With reference to the Earl of Crewe's despatch, No. 173, of the 12th August, 1910, relative to the installation of wireless telegraph-stations on the coast of New Zealand, I have the honour to inform you that my Government advise me a contract has been let to the Australasian Wireless (Limited) under conditions which ensure the necessary efficiency. 2. I beg to transmit to you, for the information of His Majesty's Post-master-General, a copy of the contract referred to, which has recently been signed. 1 have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Eight Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 9. New Zealand, No. 72. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 24th May, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 97, of the 11th March, 1911, enclosing copy of a letter from Mr. J. P. Boland, M.P., asking that a separate record should be kept by the dominions Governments of the statistics of Irish trade, I have the honour to state that my Government are of opinion that the separation of statistics of Irish trade would entail much greater difficulties, as far as New Zealand is concerned, than are foreseen by Mr. Boland, and that without greatly increasing the cost of keeping statistical information and entirely altering the present system it would be impossible to keep the record suggested. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 10. New Zealand, No. 73. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 25th May, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 107, of the 17th March, asking for a return showing the extent of tobacco-cultivation in New Zealand, arid the excise or export duty payable thereon, I have the honour to inform you that my Ministers advise me that tobacco is not grown for profit in New Zealand at present, and that tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes are made in New Zealand from imported raw-leaf tobacco, the excise duties being as under : Tobacco, Is. the pound; cigars and snuff, Is. 6d. the pound; cigarettes made by machinery, 2s. 6d. the pound; cigarettes made by hand, Is. the pound. In addition to these duties there is an import duty of 2s. the pound on the raw-leaf tobacco used in manufacture. I beg to transmit to you copy of the last report on tobacco-growing in New Zealand forwarded to me by my Ministers. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1911 No 145.

No. 11. New Zealand, No. 75. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 25th May, 1911. In continuation of my predecessor's despatch, No. 27, of the 2nd May, 1910, I have the honour to inform you that the quantities of gold and silver entered for export from the Dominion of New Zealand for the ended 31st

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December, 1910, were 478,288 ounces, equal to 14,876-76 kilograms, valued at £1,896,328; and 1,711,235 ounces, equal to 53,226-59 kilograms, valued at £171,562, respectively. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 12. New Zealand, No. 76. Sir, ■— Government House, Auckland, Ist June, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 98, of the 18th March, inviting my Government to be represented at the Fifth International Fishery Congress at Rome, I have the honour to state that it was proposed by my Government that the High Commissioner in London should attend the Congress as the representative of the Dominion, but he states that he cannot do so, and other arrangements cannot now be made. New Zealand will not, therefore, be represented, but my Ministers request me to ask you if you will be good enough to express to the Italian Ambassador the thanks of my Government for his courtesy in extending the invftation. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1911 No. 143.

No. 13. New Zealand, No. 77. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, Ist June, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 148, of the 21st April last, regarding the license for Messrs. Maxwell (Limited) in respect of the Flint, Caroline, and Vostock Islands, I have the honour to inform you that the counterpart of the license referred to accompanied my despatch, No. 50, of the 12th April, 1911, which has now no doubt reached you. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 14. New Zealand, No. 79. Sir,— Government House, Auckland, Ist June, 1911. I have the honour to transmit to you copy of a letter, dated the 29th May, 1911, from the Town Clerk of Nelson, and, under separate cover, an address of congratulation and loyalty from the Corporation of Nelson, which it is desired should be submitted for the gracious acceptance of Their Majesties the King and Queen on the occasion of their Coronation. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 15. ' New Zealand, No. 80. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, Bth June, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 102, of the 15th March last, regarding the case of Anders Andersen, I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of a memorandum from my Acting Prime Minister, giving the decision of my Government in the matter. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies,

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Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 31st May, 1911. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. Referring to Colonial Office despatch, No. 102, of the 15th March last, enclosing a copy of a note from the Norwegian Minister in London, suggesting that the Government of New Zealand should compensate the Norwegian Government for the expenses incurred by that Government in connection with the trial of Anders Andersen, the Acting Prime Minister has the honour to inform His Excellency that the matter has received the consideration of this Government; and that it has been decided to submit to Parliament next session a vote for the sum of £400, which, if passed by the New Zealand Parliament, will be paid to the Norwegian Government. The Government of New Zealand desires that it shall be clearly understood that in taking the course referred to above it must not be deemed to admit any liability in respect of the legal proceedings against Andersen and his subsequent death. J. Carroll.

No. 16. New Zealand, No. 84. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 13th June, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 103, of the 16th March, regarding the suggestion of the Public Trustee that letters of administration should be issued to him in appropriate cases without requiring him to give surety for the administration of the estate, I have the honour to state, in reply to paragraph 3 of your despatch, that legislation will be prepared by my Government to give effect to the wishes of the Public Trustee. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Eight Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 17. New Zealand, No. 85. Sib, — Government House, Auckland, 14th June, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 129, of the 6th April, relating to the proposals put forward by the Committee of Administration of King Edward's Horse (The King's Oversea Dominions Regiment), I have the honour to inform you that my Government are in agreement with the principles outlined in the letter from the War Office of the 21st March, which accompanied your despatch. 2. Officers and members of King Edward's Horse and allied forces may, if they so desire, qualify with the Dominion Forces. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912 No. 4.

No. 18. New Zealand, No. 87. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 23rd June, 1911. With reference to my telegrams of the 21st and 22nd June, relating to messages of congratulation and loyalty which I have received from various parts of this Dominion on the occasion of the Coronation of His Majesty the King, I have the honour to transmit to you copies of the messages referred to. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor, Secretary of State for the Colonies,

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No. 19. New Zealand, No. 89. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 29th June, 1911. In continuation of my despatch, No. 87, of the 23rd June, and with reference to my telegrams of the 23rd and 24th June, I have the honour to transmit to you copies of messages of congratulation and loyalty which I have received on the occasion of the Coronation of His Majesty the King. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 20. New Zealand, No. 90. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 29th June, 1911. I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying illuminated address, which I have been requested by a deputation from the Methodist Conference of New Zealand to forward for the gracious acceptance of His Majesty the King. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 21. New Zealand, No 92. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 6th July, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 130, of the 6th April, regarding the appointment of Mr. Karl Joosten as German Consul at Christchurch, I have the honour to inform you that notification of the appointment was published in the New Zealand Gazette of the Bth June, 1911. I have, &c, ISLINGTON. The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 22. New Zealand, No. 94. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 6th July, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 156, of the 28th April, asking to. be informed of the present position regarding the construction of a new dock ] at Wellington, I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of a letter, dated 21st June, 1911, received by my Minister of Marine from the Secretary of the Wellington Harbour Board, giving the information desired. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912 No. 13.

Enclosure. Sir, — Wellington, New Zealand, 21st June, 1911. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 20th instant (M. 1771/1911, No. 269/225 : W.H.B. 33067), asking me to officially advise you as to the present position with regard to the construction of a dock at this port. In reply, I beg to inform you that the question of constructing a dock in place of the one the building of which was abandoned last has not yet been considered by the Board. With respect to the abandoned work I have to inform you as follows : — The contractors abandoned their contract on the 2nd September, 1910, and on the 28th September, 1910, the agreement of release was executed by the contractors and their sureties and

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also by the Board. On the 3rd December, 1910, the Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1910 (1910, No. 35, Local), became law, providing for — (1.) The postponement of dock-construction for the present. (2.) Making the work optional instead of mandatory. (3.) Vesting certain lands in the Board, without restriction oi conditions, for the purposes for which it is constituted. (4.) Setting free for other works the balance of the unexpended dock-moneys then held in the fund. (5.) Making provision for reserving and setting-aside at the option of the Board £250,000 out of the million loan sanctioned by the Wellington Harbour Board Reclamation and Empowering Act, 1908, for construction of a dock when deemed necessary. The Board has since let a contract for the removal of piles, &c, from the old dock-site, and will, at its next meeting, consider the question of calling tenders for construction of a sea wall across the dock-entrance as a preliminary to reclaiming the site. Trusting this is the information you require, I have, &c, The Secretary, Marine Department, Wellington. H. E. Niohoi.ls, Secretary. No. 23. New Zealand, No. 95. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 6th July, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 165, of the sth May last, relative to letters of request from foreign tribunals, I have the honour to transmit to you copies of rules made by my Government under the Judicature Act, 1908, of New Zealand, respecting such letters of request. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2. 1912, No. 18.

No. 24. New Zealand, No. 96. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 7th July, 1911. In continuation of my despatch, No. 89, of the 29th June, forwarding messages of congratulation and loyalty from New Zealand to His Majesty the King on the occasion of his Coronation, I have the honour to transmit to you copy of a congratulatory resolution passed by the Wellington Savage Club. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No/25. New Zealand, No. 98. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 13th July, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. "90, of the 10th March, regarding the sterilization in India of animal manures intended for shipment to New Zealand, I have the honour to transmit to you the enclosed copy of a memorandum, dated the 10th July, received from my Acting Prime Minister, asking for the further information promised on the subject. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor, Secretary of State for the Colonies,

A.-2, 1911, No. 139.

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No. 26. New Zealand, No. 99. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 13th July, 1911. With reference to my previous despatches conveying expressions ot loyalty and congratulation from New Zealand on the occasion of the Coronation of His the King, I have the honour to transmit to you copy of a letter I have received from the Mayor of Christchurch, together with bound copies of the Coronation Souvenir Card and Coronation Booklet issued in connection with the celebrations in that city, which it is desired should be submitted to Their Majesties the King and Queen for their gracious acceptance I also beg to forward you herewith a copy of the text of an illuminated address presented to the Mayor of Christchurch by the local branch of the NewZealand Civil Service Association, containing expressions of deep loyalty to Their Majesties. A message of loyalty from the inhabitants of the Borough and County ot Wairaate has also been forwarded to me to-day, through my Acting Prime Minister, and a copy of the message accompanies this despatch. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 27. New Zealand, No. 102. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 19th July, 1911. In continuation of my despatch, No. 99, of the 13th July, conveying messages of loyalty and congratulation from New Zealand on the occasion of the Coronation of His Majesty the King,. I have the honour to transmit to you copies of messages received through my Acting Prime Minister from the townspeople of Rotorua and the Natives of Ohinemutu. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies. «

No. 28. New Zealand, No. 105. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 28th July, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 171, of the 11th May, relative to a Book of Instructions to Registrars of Shipping, which will shortly be issued, I have the honour to state, in reply to the last paragraph of your despatch, that my Government would be very glad if twenty-five copies of the Instructions referred to could be supplied. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies,

A.-2, 1912. No. 23.

No. 29. New Zealand, No. 106. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 28th July, 1911. With reference to your despatch, Miscellaneous, of the 19th May, 1, have the honour to state that I am desired by my Government to ask you to ] express to the Army Council its appreciation of their courtesy in obtaining the privileges accorded by the London clubs to the officers and men of the NewZealand Military Contingent attending the Coronation of His Majesty the King. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912 No. 31.

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No. 30. New Zealand, No. 109. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 10th August, 1911. Referring to your despatches, Nos. 177 and 185, of the 13th May and 25th May respectively, relative to the appointment of Senor Don Mario Pirries y Bayona as Consul for Spain at Melbourne with jurisdiction in the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand, I have the honour to inform you, at the request of my Ministers, that notification of the appointment, and of the signature of His Majesty the King to the exequatur, was published in the issue of the New Zealand Gazette of the 20th July last, page 2254. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912. No. 27. A.-2, 1912, No. 33.

No. 31. New Zealand, No. 112. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 17th August, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 196, of the Bth June, with regard to the method of reporting hydrographic changes in ports of the overseas dominions, I have the honour to inform you, at the request of my Ministers, that it is the practice of the Marine Department here to furnish to the Hydrographer to the Admiralty copies of all Notices to Mariners and SailingDirections, Tide Tables, &c, which are issued by the Department; and also to furnish information concerning any other alterations in the various charts o± this Dominion. This practice will be continued, and every endeavour will be made to furnish the Hydrographer with as full information as possible on the matters referred to. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Bon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912. No. 40.

No. 32. New Zealand, No. 116. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 31st August, 1911. With reference to your despatch, Miscellaneous, of the 6th June, forwarding for the Parliamentary Library at Wellington copy of a " Lexicon for Secret Correspondence," dated July, 1812, I have the honour to state that I am requested by my Ministers to express their best thanks for the volume, which is deposited in the Library at Wellington, and which is considered to be of much interest. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912, No. 41.

No. 33. New Zealand, No. 117. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 31st August, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 167, of the 10th May last, forwarding copies of instructions issued by the Board of Trade with regard to an amendment in the forms of ships' agreements in respect to the discipline regulations, I have the honour to inform you, at the request of my Government, that

'A.-2, 1912, No. 19.

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it is not proposed to embody the clause in the New Zealand articles of agreement, as the Shipping and Seamen Act, 1908, makes sufficient provision for dealing with absence without leave. I hav*e, &c, ISLINGTON, The Eight Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 34. New Zealand, No. 118. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 31st August, 1911. in reply to your despatch, No. 235, of the 14th July, forwarding copies of the parliamentary paper containing the minutes of the proceedings at the imperial Conference, 1 have the honour to state that fifty copies of the report and papers will be sufficient for my Government. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 35. New Zealand, No. 119. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 31st August, 1911. Referring to your despatch, No. 201, of the 15th June, on the subject of the importation into foreign countries of food-products from His Majesty's dominions and colonies, I have the honour to state that the action taken by His Majesty's Government is much appreciated by my Ministers, and that the information obtained will be of great interest. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912, No. 42.

No. 36. New Zealand, No. 122. Sir,- — Government House, Wellington, 6th September, 1911. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 244, of the 21st July, informing me that His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to intimate his intention of presenting seventy portraits of himself and Her Majesty the Queen to the primary schools of this Dominion. Will you be good enough to convey to His Majesty the thanks and appreciation of the Government and people of New Zealand for his gracious intention. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 37. New Zealand, Honours. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 6th September, 1911. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, Honours, of the 28th July, transmitting Warrant, insignia, and badges in connection with the honours recently conferred by His Majesty the King upon certain New Zealand gentlemen.

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2. After consultation with my Ministers, I have decided to make the investiture on Dominion. Day, the 27th instant, as, in my opinion, this would be a fitting occasion for the ceremony. 3. I will forward to you in due course a report of the investiture. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 38. New Zealand, No. 124. Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 15th September, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 44, of the Bth February, I have the honour to inform you, at the request of my Ministers, that the adherence of the New Zealand Government may now be notified to the Berne Convention of the 26th September, 1906, regarding the prohibition of the use of white phosphorus in matches. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 39. New Zealand, No. 127. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 21st September, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 144, of the 21st April, forwarding copies of the report on the Dominions Department for the year 1910-11, and inviting suggestions and criticisms as to the contents of same, I have the honour to inform you that my Ministers have no remarks to offer respecting the report, I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 40. New Zealand, No. 128. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 21st September, 1911. Referring to your despatch, No. 239, of the 18th July, relative to the application of the Peruvian Charge d'Affaires for the issue of an exequatur to Senor Don Ambrosio Millar as Peruvian Consul at Auckland, I have the honour to inform you that my Government has no objection to the appointment of this gentleman. Notification of provisional recognition of the appointment was published in the New Zealand Gazette of the 14th September, 1911. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c., Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912. No. 61.

No. 41. New Zealand, No. 131. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 12th October, 1911. I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of the report of the General Officer Commanding the Defence Forces of New Zealand for the period from the 7th December, 1910, to the 27th July, 1911. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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No. 42. New Zealand, No. 132. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 12th October, 1911. I have the honour to forward you copy of the Speech with which, on the 27th July last, I opened the Fourth Session of the Seventeenth Parliament of New Zealand, together with copies of the Addresses in Reply _ from the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives respectively. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 43. New Zealand, Honours. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 20th October, 1911. With reference to your despatch, Honours, of the 28th August, 1 1 have the honour to report that on the 12th October I duly presented to the 1 Honourable Sir Arthur Robert Guinness arid His Honour Sir Joshua Strange Williams their Letters Patent of Knighthood, in accordance with your instructions. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912. No. 88.

• ——■———^——■— No. 44. New Zealand, No. 134. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 27th October, 1911. I have the honoiir to transmit to you the accompanying.copy of a memorandum, dated the 23rd October, which I have received from my Prime Minister, stating that my Government has no objection to the application of the Geneva Convention Bill to the Dominion of New Zealand. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 23rd October, 1911. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments, and begs to acquaint His Excellency that when in London the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies wrote, under date the 7th July, expressing Mr. Harcourt's hope that the extension of the Geneva Convention Bill to all His Majesty's possessions outside the United Kingdom might be satisfactory. Since the Prime Minister's return he has made inquiries, and begs to state that the New Zealand Government has no objections to the application of this Bill to the Dominion ofNew Zealand, and will be glad, if His Excellency will convey this information to the Secretary of State. J. G. Ward.

No. 45. New Zealand, No. 135. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 27th October, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 237, of the 17th July, on the subject of guidons and colours for New Zealand regiments, I have the honour to transmit to you two copies of the latest issue of the " New Zealand Army List," together with a copy of a memorandum, dated the 24th October, which L have received from my Prime Minister, stating that there are sixteen infantry

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regiments in the Dominion entitled to carry King's and regimental colours, and twelve regiments of mounted rifles, of which the first to the eleventh inclusive are in possession of the banners already authorized for service in South Africa. The twelfth is a new regiment. My Prime Minister also states that as mounted rifles it is recognized there is no claim to carry colours or guidons, and that they will be instructed to deposit their banners as honourable insignia in the headquarters of the units or cathedral, as suggested in your despatch. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 24th October, 1911. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and, with reference to Downing Street despatch, No. 237, of the 17th July, 1911, begs to forward for transmission by His Excellency to the Secretary of 'State for the Colonies two copies of the latest " New Zealand Army List," showing there are now sixteen regiments of infantry in New Zealand entitled to carry King's and regimental colours. There are twelve regiments of mounted rifles, of which the first to the eleventh inclusive are in possession of the banners already authorized for service in South Africa. The twelfth is a new regiment. It is recognized that as mounted rifles there is no claim to carry colours or guidons, and they will be instructed to deposit their banners as honourable insignia in the headquarters of the units or cathedral, as suggested in the despatch. J. G. Ward, Minister of Defence.

No. 46. New Zealand, No. 136. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 31st October, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 296, of the 18th August, on the subject of the charges made for despatch and receipt of radio-telegrams on vessels of the Union Steamship Company (Limited) of New Zealand, I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of a memorandum, dated sth October, received from my Acting Prime Minister, stating that licenses have not yet been issued by my Government, but that the vessels of the Union Steamship Company (Limited) fitted with wireless apparatus are working in accordance with the Berlin Radio-Telegraphic Convention. The ship charge for messages is 4d. per word, and the coast charge, including inland transmission, is fixed at 6d. per word. I also beg to transmit to you copy of a memorandum, dated the 25th October, which I have received from my Prime Minister in reply to a communication 1 sent to him on the same subject, in which it is stated that an Amendment Bill to empower the New Zealand Government to issue licenses for the use of wireless telegraphy on board ship is before Parliament. This Amendment Bill, intituled the Post and Telegraph Amendment Act, 1911, has since passed through Parliament and has received my assent. Copies of the Bill will be sent you later. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912. No. 84.

No. 47. New Zealand, No. 137. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd November, 1911. With reference to your telegram of the 12th October, intimating that the Board of Trade have appointed Mr. W. G. Wickham to be His Majesty's

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Trade Commissioner for New Zealand, I have the honour to inform you that notification of the appointment was published in the New Zealand Gazette ot the 26th October, 1911, page 3162. [ have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 48. New Zealand, No. 139. Slß,— Government House, Wellington, 9th November, 1911. With reference to my despatch, No. 80, of the Bth June, and to your despatch, No. 272, of the 9th August, relative to the case of Anders Andersen, I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of a memorandum, dated the 3rd November, 1911, which I have received from my Prime Minister, in which it is stated that the New Zealand Parliament has now voted the sum of £400 as compensation to the Norwegian Government, and that the High Commissioner for New Zealand has accordingly been instructed to pay that amount to the Government of Norway, after consultation with you. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Eight Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 49. New Zealand, No. 140. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 9th November, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 220, of the 6th July last, on the subject of the International Agreement for the Suppression of Obscene Publications, I have the honour to inform you, at the request of my Ministers, that my Government desires that notice should be given of the accession of New Zealancl to this Convention. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

c A.-2, 1912 _ No. 52. f i

No. 50. New Zealand, No. 142. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 9th November, 1911. Adverting to your despatch, No. 316, of the Bth September last, asking to be furnished with the text of the decision of my Government to recognize in New Zealand official passenger-steamer certificates issued in France, I have the honour to inform you that the decision to recognize these certificates was an executive one by the Minister of Marine, and that all Collectors of Customs in New Zealand were notified of this decision. My Government is of opinion that no further action is necessary in the. matter, as the decision and the instructions issued are sufficient to ensure the recognition of the certificates. 2. I beg to transmit to you the accompanying copy of the instructions issued to the Collectors of Customs on the subject. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912 No. 95.

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Enclosure.

Memorandum for the Collector, H.M. Customs. I have to inform you that it has been decided, under the power given by section 185 of the Shipping and Seamen Act, 1908, to recognize passonger-steamer certificates issued in France. So long, therefore, as such certificates are in force, any steamers holding them which may come to the Dominion will not be required to obtain a New Zealand certificate. George All poet, Secretary. Marine Department, Wellington, 23rd December, 1909,

No. 51. New Zealand, No. 143. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 16th November, 1911. With reference to my telegram of the 31st July relative to the appointment of Chow Si Lanchu as Chinese Consul for New Zealand, at Wellington, I have the honour to inform you that notification of the recognition of this gentleman's appointment was published in the New Zealand Gazette of the 9th November, 1911, page 3355. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c. Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 52. New Zealand, No. 145. Sir,-- Government House, Wellington, 23rd November, 1911. I have the honour to transmit to you the synopsis of, and the report respecting, the Acts passed during the Fourth Session of the Seventeenth Parliament of New Zealand, prepared by the Solicitor-General, together with the Acts duly authenticated with the Seal of the Dominion. 2. The Bill intituled the Shipping and Seamen Act, 1911 (No. 37) has been reserved for the signification of His Majesty's pleasure thereon, in accordance with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894 (Imperial), and six copies of the Bill will be forwarded in a separate parcel direct from my Government to the Colonial Office, for the use of the Board of Trade, in accordance with the Colonial Office circular despatch of the 23rd December, 1903. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosures. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 9th November, 1911. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments, and begs to forward herewith, for transmission to the Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies-, the synopsis of, and the report respecting, the Acts passed during the Fourth Session of the Seventeenth Parliament of New Zealand, prepared by the Solicitor-General, together with the Acts duly authenticated with the Seal of the Dominion. The Bill intituled the Shipping and 'Seamen Act, 1911 (No. 37), has been reserved for the signification of His Majesty's pleasure thereon, in accordance with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894 (Imperial), and six copies of that Bill will be forwarded in a separate parcel direct to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, for the use of the Board of Trade, in accordance with the circular despatch dated the 23rd December, 1903 (G.H. 63/1904). J. G. Ward, Prime Minister. Report on Legislation passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand dtttuno the Session ending on the 29th day of october, 1911. For the information of His Excellency the Governor I beg to report as follows : — I. The synopsis attached hereto relates to the Acts passed by the General Assembly of NewZealand during the session which ended on the 29th day of October, 1911. TT. In my opinion none of those Acts is repugnant to the law of England.

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111. The Shipping and Seamen Amendment Act, 1911 (JN T o. 37), has been reserved for the signification of His Majesty's pleasure thereon, in accordance with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894 (Imperial). Dated at Wellington, this Bth day of November, 1911. John W. Salmond, Solicitor-General. Synopsis of Acts passed by the Genebal Assembly of New Zealand during the Session ENDING ON THE 29TH DaY OF OCTOBER, 1911 Public General Acts. No. 1. The Imprest Supply Act, 1911 : Applying the sum of £708,000 from the Public Account, and £13,400 from other specified accounts, to the service of the year ending the 31st March, 1912. No. 2. The Imprest Supply Act, 1911 (No. 2) : Applying the sum of £695,000 from the Public Account, and £13,400 from other specified accounts, to the service of the year ending the 31st March, 1912. No. 3. The Imprest Supply Act, 1911 (No. 3) : Applying the sum of £695,000 from the Public Account, and £146,220 from other specified accounts, to the service of the year ending the 31st March, 1912. No. 4. The Stone-quarries Amendment Act, 1911 : Amends the Stone-quarries Act, 1908. No. 5. The Friendly Societies Amendment Act, 1911 : Amends the Friendly Societies Act, 1909, as follows :— (1.) Section 2 prohibits the registration of a friendly society or branch after the Ist January, 1912, until an actuarial certificate has been given that the benefits promised are sufficiently secured by the rates of contribution provided for in the rules. (2.) Section 3 (relating to the investment of friendly society funds by way of mortgage of lands) permits of advances being made up to but not exceeding two-thirds of the value of the security offered. No. 6. The Mental Defectives Act, 1911 : This Act repeals the Lunatics Act, 1908 (which was merely a consolidation of prior enactments, dating back to the year 1882), and gives effect in large measure to the recommendations of the recent Imperial Royal Commission on the Care and Control of the Feeble-minded. The following matters are worthy of special reference : — (1.) The definition of " mentally defective person," in section 2, classifies those persons into six divisions, dependent upon the nature and severity of the complaint to which the patient is subject. These divisions are : Class I, persons of unsound mind; Class 11, persons mentally infirm; Class 111, idiots; Class IV, imbeciles; Class V, feeble-minded; Class VI, epileptics. This classification is that recommended by the Royal Commission above referred to. Persons coming within any of the above classes are not necessarily to be confined in institutions under the Act, but only in cases where their detention is required for their own welfare and in the public interest. (2.) Much more efficient provision is made in the machinery provisions of the Act for the committal of mentally defective persons to institutions, and special provisions are made for the ready admission of such persons in cases of sudden attack or other cases demanding speedy attention. (3.) Part II deals with " single patients " —that is to say, persons who are, on the authority of a Magistrate and after examination, permitted to remain in the custody and under the control of a private person. (4.) Part 111 relates exclusively to the special procedure to be adopted in the case of the committal to an institution of minors. Such persons may be received on the application of a parent or guardian, supported by medical certificates to the effect that detention is necessary, and may be discharged on a similar application unless further detention is deemed necessary. (5.) Part V relates to "voluntary boarders," and is an important departure from the earlier law. It permits of the detention of a person in an institution on his personal application to be placed under control and treatment. Such a patient may be again discharged on his own application in that behalf, the only restriction being that he may be detained for seven days after the receipt of such an application. This provision is extremely valuable in cases where a person is aware of an impending attack of insanity and wishes to effectively place himself beyond the risk of inflicting harm on himself or others. (6.) The remaining provisions of the Act deal principally with the effective administration of public and licensed institutions for mentally defective persons, and for the treatment and control of the persons detained therein. No. 7. The Hutt Railway and Road Improvement Act, 1911 : Amends the Hutt Railway and Road Improvement Act, 1903. That Act provided that the cost of the new Hutt Road should be apportioned between the various local authorities to receive benefits from it. Since the passing of the original Act several new local authorities have been constituted within the district affected, and this Act provides for a proportion of the cost being paid by them. No. 8. The Administration Amendment Act, 1911 : Amends the Administration Act, 1908, as follows : — . (1.) Section 2 exempts the English Public Trustee from liability to give security on the resealing in New Zealand of letters of administration.

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(2.) Section 3 authorizes the administrator of the estate of a deceased person to cull upon a claimant to take legal proceedings to determine a disputed claim within three months of the rejection of that claim. .(3.) Section 4 provides for the furnishing of certain particulars to the Public Trustee on the filing of applications for administration by persons other than the Public Trustee. -No. 9. The Death Duties Amendment Act, 191] : Amends in various particulars the Death Duties Act, 1909. In particular— (1.) Section 7 provides that the local situation in the United Kingdom of any property shall be determined in accordance with the law of England. (I.) Section 8 exempts from the payment of duty any gift which (together with all other gifts made within twelve months by the same donor to the same beneficiary) does not exceed £1,000. The former exemption was in respect of gifts not exceeding £500 and made within a period of six months. (3.) Section 10 exempts from the payment of succession duty successions not exceeding £200 in value. No. 10. The Land-tax and Income-tax Act, 191 ! : Imposes a land-tax and an income-tax for the year ending the 31st March, 1912, at the several rates specified therein. No. 11. The Rating Amendment Act, 1911 : Extends to water rates, gas rates, electric-light rates, sewage rates, and hospital and charitable-aid rates the system of rating on the unimproved value in districts where that system is in force. Under the principal Act that system did not apply to the rates herein specified. No. 12. The University of Otago Council Act, 1911 : Makes new provision for the election or appointment of the members of the Council of the Otago University. No. 13. The New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Amendment Act, 1911: Authorizes an amount of £750,000 (instead of £500,000) per annum to be expended by way of advances to workers; and makes other amendments of minor importance in the New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Act, 1909. No. 14. The Old-age Pensions Amendment Act, 1911: Amends in various particulars the Old-age Pensions Act, 1908. An important extension of the principal Act is made by section 4. which provides for a pension at the age of sixtj' years (in the case of a male) or fifty-five years (in the case of a female) if the applicant for the pension has dependent on him or her two or more children under the age of fourteen years. In such cases the amount of the pension may (in the discretion of the Magistrate hearing the application) exceed an ordinary pension by a sum not exceeding £13 (that is, may amount to £39 per annum). Other amendments are made to remove hardships that have arisen in the course of administration —chiefly with reference to the computation of income in respect of which a deduction from the pension is made. No. 15. The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act. 1911 : Authorizes the raising of £1.500,000, to be expended as follows: — (a.) For construction of railways, £500,000. (b.) For rolling-stock, &c, £300,000. (n.j For construction of roads, tracks, and bridges for opening up backblocks, developing goldfields, &c, £500,000. (d.) For other public works, £200,000. No. 16. The Widows' Pensions Act, 1911 : Authorizes the payment of pensions to widows in indigent circumstances, having dependent upon them a child or children under the age of fourteen years. The rates of pension are as follows: — (a.) To a widow with one such child, £12 per annum. (b.) To a widow with two such children, £18 per annum. (c.) To a widow with three such children, £24 per annum. (d.) To a widow with four or more such children, £30 per annum. The rates above specified are subject to a deduction of £1 for every £1 of the annual income of the widow in excess of £30. Personal earnings, however, are not deemed to be income unless (and only to the extent to which) they exceed (together with a pension under the Act) the sum of £100.' The right to receive a pension is not absolute, but is subject to the good moral character and sober habits of the pensioner. Section 18 permits payments to be made to a person other than the pensioner, in trust for her and her children, if the Commissioner, for any reason (e.g., the age, infirmity, or improvidence of the pensioner), thinks it advisable that personal pa}nzients should not be made. A pension under the Act is declared by section 27 to be inalienable by way of assignment, charge, execution, bankruptcy, or otherwise howsoever. No. 17. The Patents, Designs, and Trade-marks Act, 1911 : This Act repeals the Patents, Designs, and Trade-marks Act, 1908 (with tTie exception of certain sections relating to offences in respect of trade-marks), and adopts with certain modifications the Imperial Acts relating to the same matter. The following are the most important of the material alterations of the law effected by the new Act: — Patents. —Section 29 enables the Supreme Court to make an order permitting the manufacture or carrying-on in New Zealand of a patented article or process on being satisfied that the patentee is not causing that article or process to be manufactured or carried on to an adequate extent in New Zealand. No such order is to be made within four years of the date of the patent, nor does it authorize the importation into New Zealand of a patented article in breach of the provisions of the patent.

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Section 40 makes more stringent, the prohibition of contracts by which the purchaser, lessee, or licensee of a patented article or process is restrained from using or purchasing any article or process not the property of the patentee. Such contracts and others of a similar character are declared to be null and void as being in restraint of trade and contrary to public policy. More effective provision is made by sections 26 to 29 compelling a patentee to issue licenses with respect to patented inventions, or, in the alternative, for the revocation of those patents, Designs. —The most important amendment relating , to designs is the extension of the term of copyright. Under the Act of 1908 the copyright expired on live years from registration; the present Act permits of two renewals, each of five years, thus allowing a total period of fifteen years during which the design may be protected. No. 18. The Education Reserves Amendment Act, 1911 : Extends the leasing-powers of the trustees of high schools in respect of the reserves and endowments controlled by them, and also amends in various respects the provisions of the Education Reserves Act, 1908. No. 19. The Legislature Amendment Act, 1911 : This Ant is designed principally to overcome certain difficulties experienced in the compilation of the electoral rolls. In addition the following provisions, inter alia, are made : — (1.) Section 3 permits an intending voter who is present in a polling-booth but who has not actually voted at the hour of the closing of the poll to record his vote. (2.) Section 5 makes certain necessary provisions for the conduct of the national-pro-hibition poll. (3.) Section 6 fixes an interval of seven days between the first and second ballots in all electoral districts. No. 20. The Local Elections and Polls Amendment Act, 1911 : Authorizes an elector at a local election to record his vote after the close of the poll if he was present in the voting-booth for the purpose of voting before the hour fixed for closing. No. 21. The Public Works Amendment Act, 1911 : Provides for the control by the Public Works Department (instead of by the Post and Telegraph Department) of the licensing, &c, of electric lines for power purposes. Provision is also made for the execution of irrigation agreements between the Minister of Public Works and the occupiers of land in districts where the Minister, under the authority of the Public Works Amendment Act, 1910, has constructed irrigation-works. Such agreements run with the land in respect of which they are made, either during the currency of the lease of the land to which they relate, or until the expiration of the agreement by effluxion of time. Section 9 exempts from the operation of Part XIII of the Land Act, 1908 (relating to limitation of area), land received in exchange for roads or other public purposes, or lands constituting closed or stopped roads. The principal Act is also further amended in various particulars. No. 22. The Tramways Amendment Act, 1911 : This Act amends in various particulars the Tramways Act, 1908, and the Tramways Amendment Act, 1910. No. 23. The Government Railways Amendment Act, 1911 : Increases the rates of wages payable to the men employed in the service of the Government Railways Department, and otherwise amends the Government Railways Act, 1908. No. 24. The Post and Telegraph Amendment Act, I ill I : Provides for the issue of licenses authorizing the installation of wireless-telegraphy apparatus on board ships registered in New Zealand. Section 2 of this Act fuither provides for the extension of the use of machines for recording stamp-values on documents requiring to be stamped. No. 25. The Public Reserves and Domains Amendment Act, 191 1 : Extends the leasingpowers of local authorities and trustees in respect of public reserves vested in them, by authorizing the execution of leases for twenty-one years, with a single right of renewal for a further period of twenty-one years. No. 26. The Railways Authorization Act, 1911 : Authorizes the construction by the Governor of the several lines of railway specified in the schedule. No. 27. The Representation Commissions' Reports Validation Act, 1911 : By section 41 of the Licensing Amendment Act, 1910, the Representation Commissions were directed to declare in their reports the names of the electoral districts included within the boundaries of the several city licensing districts. These particulars were inadvertently omitted from the recent reports of the said Commissions, and this Act validates those reports notwithstanding such omission, and also determines the boundaries of the said licensing districts aforesaid. No. 28. The Public Service Classification and Superannuation Amendment Act, 1911 : This Act provides, inter alia, as follows : — (1.) For the better administration of the Public Service Superannuation Fund. In pursuance of section 2, all contributions are made payable in the first place into the Post Office Account, and all outgoings are paid from that account. The balance only is paid to the Public Trustee, and forms part of the Common Fund of the Public Trust Office. Interest will be paid on this balance in accordance with the regulations from time to time governing the Common Fund; under the former system moneys belonging to this fund were frequently held over awaiting special investment in terms of the Act. The estimated saving to the fund in administration expenses and in additional interest is estimated at £750 per annum. (2.) Section 6 permits the transfer of officers from any branch of the Government service other than the Civil Service to the Civil Service; such transfers are to be made only in accordance with regulations, and after not less than ten years' service, and only to a position similar to that held by the person proposed to be transferred. '

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(4.) Section 7 provides for a right of appeal by teachers against transfers. Such appeal is to be to the Teachers' Court of Appeal established under the Education Act 1908. No. 29. The Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, 1911; Provides for the exchange, sale, reservation, or other disposition of certain reserves, endowments, and Crown and other lands. In addition, provision is made as follows: — (1.) For a concession in respect of rates and taxes payable by the holders of pastoral lands of the Crown in the South Island, pending a revaluation of those lands (section .10). (2.) For the remission, on the recommendation of the Land Board, of the rent and general rates payable by certain Crown tenants, on the ground of exceptional circumstances which render unprofitable the present occupation of the land held by those tenants (section 25). No. 30. The Dentists Amendment Act, 1911 : Extends the provisions of the Dentists Act, 1908, and the Dentists Amendment Act, 1910, with respect to persons entitled to registration under the principal Act either with or without further examination. No. 31. The Military Pensions Act, 1911 : Authorizes the grant of military pensions in lieu of old-age pensions to persons who have at any time served His Majesty as a soldier in any war. No. 32. The Mining Amendment Act, 1911 : Amends in various particulars the provisions of the Mining Act, 1908. In particular those provisions are extended so as to apply to the prospecting and mining for, and to the storage of, mineral oils and natural gas. With reference to the Gold-miners' Relief Fund, established under section 16 of the Mining Amendment Act, 1910, section 10 of the present Act authorizes the Public Trustee to contribute from that fund towards the relief of miners incapacitated by reason of pneumoconiosis, or towards the relief of the dependants of miners who have died as the result of that disease. No. 33. The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Act, 1911 : This Act amends in various particulars the provisions of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, 1908. The most important amendments are the following : — (1.) Section 3 makes provision for an industrial agreement being transformed by the Court into an industrial award in cases where that agreement is binding on the employers who employ a majority of the workers in the industry to which it relates. (2.) Section 4 provides for the extension of an award to two or more industrial districts; and section 6 provides for the making of Dominion awards, the operation of which extends throughout the whole of New Zealand. No. 34. The Workers' Compensation Amendment Act, 1911 : This Act amends in various particulars the Workers' Compensation Act, 1908. inter alia, it extends the benefits of the Act to persons employed in domestic service. No. 35. The Native Land Claims Adjustment Act, 1911 : This Act determines certain claims and disputes in respect to Native lands, and also confers jurisdiction in respect of certain specified matters upon the Native Land Court and the Native Appellate Court. No. 36. The Appropriation Act, 1911 : This Act appropriates and applies certain sums of money out of the Consolidated Fund, the Public Works Fund, and other specified accounts to the service of the year ending the 31st March, 1912, and also appropriates the supplies granted from time to time during the session of Parliament ending the 29th October, 1912. No. 37. The Shipping and Seamen Amendment Act, 1911 : The most important amendment provided for by this Act relates to the provisions made for seamen left on shore in New Zealand by reason of illness or accident. This amendment replaces section 119 of the principal Act, the interpretation of which was very doubtful, and had been made the subject of adverse criticism by the Supreme Court. Section 9 enacts that bills of lading or other documents relating to contracts for the carriage of goods from New Zealand are to be governed by the law of New Zealand for the time being in force, notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary by the parties. Local and Personal Acts. No. 1. The Methodist Charitable and Educational Trusts Act, 1911 : This Act incorporates the trustees of the Three Kings Institution (being an institution or school carried on for the past fifty years under the general superintendence of the Methodist Church of Australasia in New Zealand) under the name of the Board of the Wesley Training College. The land formerly held in trust for the purposes of the said institution is vested in the said Board to be held by it subject to the former trusts, and the Board is declared to be a leasing authority under the Public Bodies' Leases Act, 1908, with respect to those lands. Certain other powers are conferred upon the Board, and their limits are defined by the said Act. No. 2. The Wanganui School Sites Amendment Act, 1911 : Authorizes the Wanganui Education Board to borrow from the Public Trustee the sum of £1,500, secured by way of first mortgage on certain land vested in that Board. The money so raised is to be expended for educational purposes within the Wanganui Education District. No. 3. The Hauraki Plains Amendment Act, 1911 : Increases the amount that may be expended by the Minister of Lands for the purposes of drainage and other works in connection with the settlement of the Hauraki Plains. The Act also confers rating-powers upon the Minister to provide funds for the maintenance of those drainage-works and for the purposes of the general administration of the principal Act. \ No 4. The Oamaru Municipal Exchange and Market Reserve Leasing Act, 1911 : Authorizes certain land vested in the Corporation of the Borough of Oamaru in trust for purposes of public utility to be exchanged for certain freehold land within the borough. The Act also extends the leasing-powers of the Oamaru Borough Council with respect to Market Reserve.

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.. ..No.. 5, The Greytown. Town Lands and Hospital Lands Exchange Act, 1911 : Authorizes the Wairarapa Hospital and Charitable Aid Board and the Greytown Town Lands Trustees to exchange the lands described in the First and Second Schedule to the Act. No. 6. The Papakaio Water-race District Validation Act, 1911 : Validates the constitution of the Papakaio Water-race District, and all acts of authority done by the Waitaki County Council in respect of the water-races constructed within the said water-race district. No. 7. The Sir Donald McLean Memorial Park Act, 1911 : Vests in the Corporation of the Borough of Napier for the purposes of a public recreation-ground certain land purchased from funds raised by public subscription for the purpose of establishing a memorial to perpetuate the memory of the late Sir Donald McLean. No. 8. The Waikowhai Park Act, 1911 : Validates an agreement entered into between the trustees of the Waikowhai Reserve, in the Auckland Land District, and the Mount Roskill Road Board for the conveyance of part of the said reserve to the Board as a public park and public recreation-ground, and for the dedication of a further part of that reserve as a public highway. The Act also defines the powers of the Mount Roskill Road Board with respect to the land to be so transferred to it. No. 9. The Ashley Subdivision and the Waimakariri-Ashley Water-supply Board Act, 1911 : Constitutes the Rangiora, Eyre, Oxford, Kowai, and Ashley Counties, being subdivisions of the area formerly comprised in the Ashley County. The Act also continues the corporate existence of the Waimakariri-Ashley Water-supply Board, having jurisdiction within the water-supply district of the same name, constituted under the Water-supply Act, 1908. No. 10. The Awatere County Act, 1911 : Constitutes the Awatere County, and abolishes accordingly the Awatere Road District of the Marlborough County. No. 11. The City of Christchurch Empowering Act, 1911 : Provides for the application of the surplus interest oti certain sinking funds established for the repayment of loans for drainage and sewerage works in the City of Christchurch, and also authorizes the Christchurch City Council to acquire land for street-widening purposes in the said city, and to borrow the necessary funds. . No. 12. The Franklin and Manukau Counties Act. 1911: Subdivides the present Manukau County into the Franklin and Manukau Counties. No. 13. The Heathcote County Boundary Act, 1911 : Alters and defines the boundaries nf the Heathcote and Halswell Counties. No. 14. The Kaikoura Hospital Site Act, 1911 : Provides for vesting part of Section No. 410. Town of Kaikoura (not exceeding 2 acres thereof), in the North Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board as a site for a hospital. No. 15. The Mosgiel Borough Empowering Act, 1911 : Empowers the Mosgiel Borough Council to sell certain land vested in the Corporation of the Borough of Mosgiel, and to pay the proceeds into its District Fund. No. 16. The Wanganui Harbour Board Vesting Act, 1911 : Vests in the Wanganui Harbour Board certain lands in the Wellington Land District, situated at Castlecliff, near Wanganui. No. 17. The Guardian, Trust, and Executors' Company Amendment Act, 1911 : Removes certain doubts which have arisen as to the Guardian, Trust, and Executors' Company of New Zealand (Limited) with respect to its powers to act as trustees under a deed or will, and with respect to the application of certain provisions of the Property Law Act as to powers of attorney under which that company acts as attorney for any person, company, or corporation. The Act also authorizes the company to remove its registered office from the City of Dunedin to the City of Auckland, and to alter its memorandum of association accordingly. No. 18. The Auckland Grammar School Site Act, 1911: Transfers part of the Auckland Gaol Reserve to the Auckland Grammar School Board as a site for a secondary school. No. 19. The Dunedin Technical School Site Act, 1911 : Vests certain land, situated in the City of Dunedin, in the Otago Education Board in trust for educational purposes, and empowers the Board to sell certain other land now held by it as a site for a technical school. No. 20. The Elingamite Rehearing Act, 1911 : Provides for a rehearing of the inquiry into the causes of the wreck of the steameship " Elingamite." No. 21. The Methodist Church of New Zealand Act, 1.911 : Confirms the constitution of. the Conference of the Methodist Church of Australasia in New Zealand as an independent Conference, as from a date to be fixed by the president of the General Conference, and to be published in the Gazette. From the date so fixed the New Zealand Church is to be denominated " the Methodist Church of New Zealand," and ceases to be governed by the General Conference. No. 22. The Christchurch District Drainage ..Amendment Act, 1911 : Determines the proportion of the cost of cleaning the Heathcote River to be borne by each,of the local authorities specified in the schedule. No. 23. The Manukau Harbour Control Act, 1911 : Vests the control of the Manukau Har hour in the Auckland Harbour Board, and provides for the vesting of certain tidal and other lands situated in the Auckland Land District in the said Board. No. 24. The Onehunga Borough Vesting Act, 1911 : Vests in the Corporation of the Borough of Onehunga certain tidal and other lands in or adjacent to the Manukau Harbour. No. 25. The Otago Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1911 : Empowers the Otago Harbour Board to issue certain leases to the Corporations of the Borough of West Harbour and the City of Dunedin, and confers other powers upon that Board. No. 26. The Riverton Harbour Loan and Empowering Act, 1911: Authorizes the Riverton Borough Council to raise a loan of £7,000 upon the security of property vested in the Corporation of the Borough of Riverton by the Riverton Corporation Empowering Act, 1889. The money raised under this Act i> to Tir expended by the Council in the coTistrurtion of harbour-works within the Riverton Harbour.

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No. 27. The Ross Borough Council Vesting and Empowering Act, 1911 : Vests certain Crown land situated in Blocks I and 11 of the Totara Survey District in the Corporation of the Borough of Ross as an endowment, subject to certain existing mining rights and privileges. No. 28. The Auckland Electric-power Station Site Act, 1911 : Authorizes the Auckland City Council to lease or otherwise deal with part of the Auckland Electric-power Station Site. No. 29. The Auckland Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1911 : Amends the Auckland Harbour Board Loan and Empowering Act, 1908, and confers certain powers of transfer and lease. and also certain other powers upon the Auckland Harbour Board. No. 30. The Dunedin City and Suburban Tramways and Water-power Amendment Act, 1911 : Extends the powers of the Corporation of the City of Dunedin conferred upon it by the Dunedin City and Suburban Tramways and Water-power Act, 1903. No. 31. The Dunedin City (Waipori Falls) Lands Vesting Act, I Oil : Vests certain Crown land situated in the Otago Land District, and adjoining the Waipori Falls electrical powerstation, in the Corporation of the City of Dunedin for the purposes of a plantation. No. 32. The Dunedin District Drainage and Sewerage Acts Amendment Act, 1911: Amends in various particulars the Dunedin District Drainage and Sewerage Act, 1900, and subsequent Acts amending that Act. No. 33. The Hamilton Domains Act, 191 I : Declares the Governor to be a leasing authority within the meaning of the Public Bodies' Leases Act, 1908, with respect to certain lands (being a public domain) within the Borough of Hamilton. This Act also cancels the reservation for the purposes of public recreation of the land described in the Third Schedule, and vests that land as an endowment for municipal purposes in the Corporation of the Borough of Hamilton. No. 34. The Inrercargill Reserves Vesting Act, 1911 : Vests in the Corporation of the Borough of Invereargill as a municipal endowment certain land formerly held by trustees for racecourse purposes. No. 35. The Little Hirer Domain Board Act, 191 I : Vests certain land situated in the Canterbury Land District in His Majesty for the purposes of a recreation reserve, and confers upon the Little River Domain Board certain powers with respect to that and other reserves under the control of that Board. No. 36. The Lyttelton Borough Extension Act, 191 ! : Empowers the Lyttelton Borough Council to purchase certain land situated outside the borough, and also to establish or subsidize a ferry service between the Borough of Lyttelton and the south side of Lyttelton Harbour. No. 37. The Portobello Road District Lands Vesting Act, 1911 : Vests certain foreshore lands situated in the Otago Harbour in the Corporation of the Portobello Road District. No. 38. The Tapanui Commonage Reserve Exchange and Leasing Act, 1911 : Effects an exchange of certain lands between the Tapanui Borough Council and the Otago Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and declares the Tapanui Borough Council to be a leasing authority within the meaning of the Public Bodies' Leases Act, 1908, with respect to certain other lands. No. 39. The Waikoikoi Public Hall Transfer Act, 1911 : Vests certain land, being the site of the Waikoikoi Public Hall, in the Otago Land District, in the trustees of the Waikoikoi Public Library in trust for the purposes of a public library. No. 40. The Wanganui River Bridge No. 2 Act, 1911 : Provides for the apportionment of the cost of the Wanganui River Bridge No. 2, between the Boroughs of Wanganui and Wanganui East, and authorizes the Council of those boroughs to raise the necessary funds to pay such cost. The said bridge is vested in the Corporation of the Borough of Wanganui. and the Council of that borough is authorized to construct a tramway oyer the bridge. No. 41. The Tuakitoto and Kaitangata Lakes Act, 1911 : Authorizes the Bruce County Council and the Kaitangata Borough Council to execute certain reclamation and drainage works in connection with the Tuakitoto and Kaitangata Lakes respectively. No. 42. The Wellington City Empowering and Amendment Act, 1911 : Confers certain powers on the Wellington City Council with respect to (1) milk-supply, (2) control of sports grounds and reserves, and (3) other matters. No. 43. The Christchurch Domains Amendment Act, 1911: Amends the constitution of the Christchurch Domains Board, and empowers local authorities to contribute out of their ordinal', funds towards the maintenance of the Christchurch domains.

No. 58. New Zealand, No. 150. Sir, - Government House, Wellington, 14th December, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 269, of the 3rd August, transmitting copy of a resolution of the Imperial Conference regarding the date and celebration of the birthday of His Majesty the King, I have the honour to inform you that the birthday of the Sovereign lias always been honoured and duly celebrated in the Dominion of New Zealand, and will continue to be so. My Government states that there is no need for legislation in the matter as far as this Dominion is concerned. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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No. 54. New Zealand, No. 154. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 21st December, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 347, of the Bth October, relating to the question of the channel through which communications on military subjects from the self-governing dominions should be made to the Imperial military authorities, I have the honour to inform you that my Government has noted the changes which it has been decided to make in connection with such correspondence, and that it agrees with the proposals enumerated in your despatch. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 55. New Zealand, No. 155. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 27th December, 1911. With reference to my telegram of the 15th December, acquainting you of the result of the general elections, and stating that the Honourable Sir John Findlay was defeated at the polls, I have the honour to inform you that he has resigned his position as a member of the Legislative Council and the portfolios he holds as Minister of Justice and Attorney-General. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 56. New Zealand, No. 159. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 27th December, 1911. I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of a memorandum, dated the 22nd December, which I have received from my Prime Minister, relative to the nomenclature of one of the New Zealand mounted rifle regiments. The regiment in question is now known as the 2nd (WellingtonWest Coast) Mounted Rifles, and it is desired to ascertain whether His Majesty the King will be pleased to approve of the designation of the regiment as " Queen Alexandra's " or " Queen Alexandra's Own." I have, &c. ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 57. New Zealand, No. 160. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 28th December, 1911. I have the honour to transmit to you, by request of my Ministers, the accompanying copies of Ordinances of the Cook Islands, namely : — The Public Health (Insanitary Buildings) Ordinance, 1911, No. 32 (three copies). The Shipmasters' Certificate Ordinance, 1911, No. 33 (three copies). The Cook Islands Hospital Ordinance, 1911, No. 34 (three copies). I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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No. 58. New Zealand, No. 161. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 28th December, 1911. With reference to your despatch, No. 358, of the 17th October, on the subject of the Nobel Peace Prize of 1912, I have the honour to inform you, by request of my Ministers, that the terms of the notice regarding nominations for the prize were published in the New Zealand Gazette of the 7th December, 1911. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912, No. 114.

No. 59. New Zealand, No. 2. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd January, 1912. Referring to previous correspondence on the subject of the opium traffic, I have the honour to transmit to you a letter which my Ministers have forwarded to me from the Honorary Secretary of the New Zealand Anti-Opium Association, Wellington, dated the 27th November, 1911, addressed to the Prime Minister of Great Britain and Ireland, forwarding petition from the women in New Zealand of the Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union and their friends. I also beg to transmit to you the bound volume containing the above-men-tioned petition, with about 6,360 signatures, praying the Motherland to release the Empire of China from the clauses in treaties which compel China to admit the importation of opium. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 60. New Zealand, No. 3. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd January, 1912. With reference to your despatch, No. 340, of the 29th September last, forwarding copy of a note from the Belgian Charge d'Affaires inquiring the views of my Government on the resolutions arrived at by the International Conference of Commercial Statistics, I have the honour to inform you that my Ministers take the same view upon this question as is set forth in the letter (enclosed with your despatch) from the Foreign Office to the Count de Lalaing, dated the 3rd May, 1911 —namely, that, in the event of the proposals of the International Conference on Customs Statistics being generally agreed to, New Zealand could furnish statistics compiled in accordance with the scheme of classification adopted by that Conference, but could not pledge itself to support the establishment of the Secretariat at Brussels until the liability of New Zealand had been determined. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912, No. 104.

No. 61. New Zealand, No. 4. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd January, 1912. With reference to your despatch, No. 300, of the 25th August, forwarding copy of Resolution IV of the recent Imperial Conference with regard to the law of copyright, patents, trade-marks, and companies, I have the Honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of a memorandum which I have

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received from my Prime Minister, in which he states that the resolution of the Conference has in some measure been given effect to by the passing, during the session of the New Zealand Parliament just concluded, of the Patents, Designs, and Trade-marks Act, which brings the law into closer conformity with that of England. 2. My Prime Minister points out that even with similarity of Act and rules there is still room for difference in procedure, and he suggests that this might be reduced, and the benefit of greater uniformity secured, if the Imperial Patent Office could see its way to advise the Patent Office in this and other countries with similar laws of the rulings it makes on the various points in the Act and rules with which it is called upon to deal. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. ITarcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 27th December, 1911. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. Referring to the despatch of the Secretary of State for the Colonies of the 25th August last, the Prime Minister has the honour to recommend that a reply be sent to the effect that the resolution of the Imperial Conference with regard to uniformity in the law of patents, designs, and trade-marks has in some measure been given effect to by the passing during the session just concluded of the Patents, Designs, and Trade-marks Act, which brings the law into closer conformity with that of England, except in one or two respects necessitated by different circumstances prevailing in this country. The forms sent will probably be adopted without alteration, and the other forms and rules of the Imperial Office will be followed as far as practicable. Even with similarity of Act and rules there is still room for difference in procedure, and it is suggested that this could be reduced, and the benefit of greater uniformity secured, if the Imperial Patent Office could see its way to advise the Patent Office in this and other countries with similar laws of its rulings on the various points in the Act and rules with which it is called upon to deal. J. G. Ward, Prime Minister.

No. 62. New Zealand, No. 9. •Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 12th January, 1912. With reference to your despatch, No. 242, of the 21st July last, and to my telegram of the 7th November, on the subject of the alliance of certain New Zealand regiments with British regiments, I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copies of memoranda which I have received from my Prime Minister, giving the particulars desired. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912 No. 62.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 3rd January, 1912. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and begs to state for His Excellency's information that the necessary particulars in connection with the alliance of certain regiments of the Dominion to British regiments, referred to in War Office letter of the 7th July last, forwarded under cover of Government House despatch (No. 686/1911), idem, are as follows :— (1.) Two of the New Zealand units concerning which alliance to British regiments is desired are newly formed. (2.) The designations of the remaining eight units referred to were altered under the recent reorganization of the Forces of the Dominion.

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(3.) The original designations of the regiments now desiring alliance with British regiments are as under :— New Title. Old Title. 3rd (Auckland) Regiment (" Countess of Ist Battalion Auckland Infantry (" CounRanfurly's Own ") tess of Ranfurly's Own ") 16th (Waikato) Regiment .. .. New Regiment, formed 17th March, 1911. 7th Regiment (Wellington, West Coast, 2nd Battalion Wellington (West Coast) Rifles) Rifles. „,, t, • , w , m n [3rd. Battalion Wellington (East Coast) 9th Regiment (Wellington, East Coast, J n-n , e> ■ \ / Rlfles ) (sth. Battalion (Centre or Ruahine) Rifles. 6th (Hauraki) Regiment .. .. 2nd Battalion Auckland (Hauraki) Infantry. Ist (Canterbury) Regiment .. .. Ist North Canterbury Battalion of Infantry. 11th Regiment (Taranaki Rifles) .. 4th Battalion Wellington (Taranaki) Rifles. 15th (North Auckland) Regiment .. New regiment, formed 17th March, 1911. sth Regiment (Wellington Rifles) .. Ist Battalion Wellington Rifles. 2nd (South Canterbury) Regiment .. South Canterbury Battalion of Infantry. 4th Regiment (Otago Rifles) .. Ist Battalion Otago Rifles. Bth Regiment (Southland Rifles) .. 2nd Battalion Otago Rifles. 10th Regiment (North Otago Rifles) .. 3rd Battalion Otago Rifles. Particulars of changes in organization or designation of units will be published from time to time in the New Zealand Army List as they take place. The Army List is issued quarterly, and copies are sent to the War Office as soon as they are published, the List for June quarter being the last forwarded. J. G. Ward, Prime Minister. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 3rd January, 1912. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and begs to suggest to His Excellency that it would perhaps be advisable to mention, when acknowledging the receipt of despatch from the Colonial Office to the 21st July last (G.H. 686/1911), that the designation of the Bth Regiment of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles, referred to in the Ist paragraph thereof, has recently been altered to the 3rd Regiment. The designations of the regiments for which His Majesty's approval has been obtained for their alliance to King Edward's Horse ("The King's Oversea Dominion Regiment") may therefore, under the circumstances, it is presumed, be allowed to read as Ist, 2nd, 3rd, and sth Regiments of New Zealand Mounted Rifles. J. G. Wakd, Prime Minister.

No. 63. New Zealand, No. 10. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 18th January, 1912. With reference to your despatches, No. 206, of the 27th June, 1911, and No. 379, of the 10th November last, inquiring the views of my Government on the subject of the emigration of ex-soldiers from England to the selfgoverning dominions, I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of a memorandum from my Prime Minister, together with a copy of a letter, dated the lith November, 1910, forwarded by him to the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London, setting forth the views of my Government on the subject. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, I\C, &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912 No. 45.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 13th January, 1912. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and begs to submit the following particulars for His Excellency's information in respect to the proposals made in despatch, G.H. No. 565, of the 30th July, 1910, and referred to in despatch, G.H. No. 1044, of the 10th November, 1911, respecting the emigration of ex-soldiers to New Zealand and other oversea dominions. 1. The proposals made in the first-mentioned despatch were duly considered by Cabinet on the 11th October, 1910, and the High Commissioner was informed of the decision of the Government on the matter by memorandum dated the 11th November, 1910 (copy attached). 2. A number of ex-officers and ex-noncommissioned officers of the Regular Army have received appointments on the instructional staff of the New Zealand Military Forces under the new system of military training.

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3. It would. Sir Joseph Ward thinks, be inadvisable for ex-officers and ex-noncommissioned officers of the imperial Army to emigrate to New Zealand with the sole idea of obtaining military employment. J. G. Ward, Prime Minister. Ex-Service Men emigrated to New Zealand. Sir, — 11th November, 1910. 1 have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th August, No. 3070, and beg to thank you for transmitting therewith copies of correspondence relative to certain proposals made by the Naval and Military League on the matter of ex-service men entering the New Zealand service, particularly with regards to the emigration of officers and others. In reply, I have to inform you that, as already pointed out in a letter addressed to you on the 11th January last, nothing can be done by the New Zealand Government in the way of offering assistance to the ex-service men who have retired from the army and navy towards passages unless they can comply with the conditions in respect to having experience in regard to agricultural matters. I have also to point out that free grants of land could not be given, and that men of the class referred to coming to the Dominion to settle could not be given preference over other men in making application for Crown land. They would be eligible to make application for any Crown land that may be open for selection at the time of arrival, and would be given the same chance to obtain land as other applicants. It may be stated in conclusion that the terms and conditions under which Crown land may be selected have been made so easy that the absence of free land-grants should not be any drawback to persons desiring to settle in New Zealand. I have, &c., J. G. Ward, Prime Minister. The High Commissioner for New Zealand, Westminster Chambers, 13 Victoria Street, London S.W.

No. 64. New Zealand, No. 11. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 18th January, 1912. With reference to your despatch, No. 375, of the 3rd .November last, 1 have the honour to transmit to you, in compliance with your request, three copies of the regulations under the Convention between Great Britain and France relative to the exchange of money-orders between France and New Zealand. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Eight Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 65. New Zealand, No. 12. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 18th January, 1912. With reference to your despatch, No. 346, of the 6th October last, on the subject of Naval Eeserves, I have the honour to inform you that in a minute received by me from my Ministers it is stated that the question of reserving lands at places which are likely to develop into future naval and military establishments will have due consideration by my Government. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt 4 P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

1 A.-2, 1912 ;> NO. 100.

No. 66. New Zealand, No. 13. Sir, — Government Bouse, Wellington, 19th January, 1912. Referring to your despatch, No. 223, of the 7th July last, on the subject of Act No. 10 of 1909 of the Parliament of New Zealand, I have the honour tc inform you that, in compliance with the request contained in the second paragraph of your despatch, the amendment required to give effect to the provisions of section 20 of the Finance Act of 1894 (Imperial) has been embodied in section 7 of the Death Duties Amendment Act, 1911, of the Parliament of New Zealand, a copy of which is enclosed. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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No. 67. New Zealand, No. 16. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 26th January, 1912. With reference to my telegram of the 29th October, and to your despatches, Nos. 351, of the 13th October, and 364, of the 19th October, on the subject of the New Zealand Patents, Designs, and Trade-marks Act, 1911, 1 have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of a memorandum, received by me on the 20th January, 1912, from the Minister of Justice, giving particulars of the manner in which the Act has been amended. I also beg to transmit to you the accompanying copies of the Act. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Eight Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Department of Justice, Wellington, 6th December, 1911. Memorandum for the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. The Minister of Justice has the honour to return herewith Colonial Office despatches Nos. 351 and 364, with reference to the New Zealand Patents, Designs, and Trade-marks Act. The Minister recommends that His Excellency the Governor be advised to inform the Secretary of State for the Colonies that the Act as passed is— (1.) In accordance with the Australian Commonwealth Act as regards section 29, except that the New Zealand Act enables only the Attorney-General or any person with the leave of the Attorney-General to take action in cases where the patent is not worked in New Zealand; and (2.) In conformity with the English Act in respect of section 40, which provides for the avoidance of certain conditions attached to the sale, &c, of patented articles. Two copies of the Act are forwarded herewith for transmission to the Colonial Office. J. G. FINDLAT.

No. 68. New Zealand, No. 19. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, Bth February, 1912. With reference to your despatch, No. 327, of the 15th September last, on the subject of the Treaty of Arbitration with the United States of America, I have the honour to inform you that my Ministers observe with pleasure that His Majesty's Government have reserved the right, before concluding a special agreement in any matter affecting the interests of a self-governing dominion of the Empire, to obtain the concurrence of the Government of that dominion. 2. In the opinion of my Ministers the treaty is very wide in its scope, but they assume that Article 1 will not have the effect of reopening questions that were barred by the Convention of 1853. 3. My Ministers add that His Majesty's Government is, of course, aware that the Convention referred to is relied on as a defence to the Webster'claims. 4. A copy of my Prime Minister's memorandum on the subject is transmitted herewith. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912 No. 99.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 6th February, 1912. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency, and with respect to the Arbitration Treaty between His Majesty's Government and the United States of America, transmitted by the Secretary of State in his despatch, No. 327, of the 15th September, 1911, desires His Excellency to inform the Secretary of State that His Excellency's Ministers observe with pleasure that His Majesty's Government have reserved the right, before concluding a special agreemeni in any matter affecting the interests of a self-governing dominion of the British Empire, to obtain the concurrence of the Government of that dominion. The treaty is very wide in its scope, but His Excellency's Ministers assume that Article 1 will not have the effect of reopening questions that were barred by the Convention of 1853. His Majesty's Government is, of course, aware that the Convention referred to is relied on as a defence to the Webster claims. His Excellency is respectfully requested to draw the attention of the Secretary of State to this point. J. G. Ward.

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No. 69.

New Zealand, No. 20. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 9th February, 1912. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 396, > of the 7th December last, transmitting copy of the conditions of the proposed service of deferred plain-language telegrams at reduced rates. My Ministers inform me that these conditions have been embodied in the Regulations of the Post and Telegraph Department of New Zealand. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912, No. 133.

No. 70. N.ew Zealand, No. 23. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 16th February, 1912. With reference to my despatch, No. 155, of the 27th December last, informing you of the resignation from the Ministry of Sir John George Findlay, I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of a memorandum, dated the 13th February, which I have received from my Prime Minister, with regard to the retention of the title of " Honourable " by Sir John George Findlay. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 71. New Zealand, No. 24. Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 23rd February, 1912. With reference to your despatch, No. 412, of the 29th December, for- 1 warding copies of treaties on the subject of pelagic sealing, I have the honour ! to report that I am informed by my Ministers that the necessary action is being taken to see that the obligation imposed by Articles 1, 2, 3, and 6 of the treaty of the 7th July is observed in this Dominion. 2. The particulars are being published in the New Zealand Gazette for general information. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912, No. 140.

No. 72. New Zealand, No. 25. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 23rd February, 1912. Referring to your despatch, No. 370, of the 26th October, 1911, trans- 1 mitting copies of a new rule which has been made, and of circular instructions * which have been issued, on the subject of life-saving appliances on ships, I have the honour to inform you that it is proposed by my Government to make similar rules to have force in New Zealand. I have, &c , ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c., Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912, No. 123.

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No. 73. New Zealand, No. 27. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 23rd February, 1912. With reference to your despatch, No. 299, of the 25th August, 1911, on the subject of Imperial Conference Resolution XI (Accident Compensation Laws), I have the honour to inform you that in a minute to me of the 19th February my Ministers report as follows : " There does not appear to be any necessity for New Zealand to take steps in the direction indicated, on account of the fact that, while British Workers' Compensation Act of 1906 has the widest application, the New Zealand Act is largely based on that Act, and goes further than the Acts of any other British dominion." I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 74. New Zealand, No. 28. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 23rd February, 1912. With reference to your despatch, No. 413, of the 29th December last, regarding the International Convention for the Suppression of Obscene Publications, I have the honour to inform you, in reply to the last paragraph of your despatch relating to the authority to be designated by the New Zealand Government under Article I of the Convention, that my Government has decided that the Commissioner of Police shall be the authority for this Dominion. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., '&c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912, No. 141.

No. 75. New Zealand, No. 32. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 29th February, 1912. Referring to your despatch, No. 403, of the 16th December last, regarding the proposed appointment of Mr. William J. Prouse as Vice-Consul for Uruguay at Wellington, I have the honour to inform you that my Government has no objection to this gentleman, and that notification of the provisional recognition of his appointment was published in the issue of the New Zealand Gazette of the 22nd February, 1912. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912, No. 136.

No. 76." New Zealand, No. 33. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 29th February, 1912. With reference to your despatch, No. 218, of the sth July, 1911, inquiring whether my Ministers desire that notification of their adhesion to the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation between the United Kingdom and Japan should be given, I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of a memorandum received from my Prime Minister, stating that the matter has been carefully considered, and that it has been decided by the New Zealand Government not to adhere to the treaty at present. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies,

A.-2, 1912, No. 51.

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Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 26th February, 1912. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and begs to acknowledge receipt of Government House despatch 11/635, covering copies of the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation between the United Kingdom and Japan, and an inquiry from the Secretary of State for the Colonies as to whether this Dominion desires to adhere to the treaty. The matter has been carefully considered, and it lias been decided not to adhere at present. The Government House despatch is returned herewith. J. G. Ward, Prime Minister.

No. 77. New Zealand, No. 35. Sir,— Government House, Wellington, Ist March, 1912. I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of the Speech with which, on the 16th February, I opened the Eighteenth Parliament of New Zealand, together with copies of the Address in Reply from the Legislative Council and the .House of Representatives respectively. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 78. New Zealand, No. 36. Sir, — • Government House, Auckland, 14th March, 1912. With reference to your telegram of the 29th September last, suggesting the amendment of the Workers' Compensation Act, I have the honour to inform you that the Act referred to has been amended, in accordance with your desire, as shown in sections 7 and 8 of the Workers' Compensation Amendment Act, 1911, a copy of which accompanies this despatch. I have, &c. ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 79. New Zealand, No. 39. Sir, — . Government House, Auckland, 20th March, 1912. I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of a memorandum which I have received from my Prime Minister, stating that Colonel A. W. Robin, of the New Zealand Staff Corps, has been selected to represent New Zealand in the Oversea Section of the General Staff at the War Office, London, and that this officer will leave the Dominion on the 26th April, arriving in England about the middle of June. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c. Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 14th March, 1912. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency the Governor, and begs to inform him that Colonel A. W. Robin, C.8., C.M.G., T.D., of the New Zealand Staff Corps, has been selected to represent New Zealand in the Oversea Section of the General Staff at the War Office, London. This officer will proceed to England via Canada, leaving New Zealand on the 26th April, and will arrive in England about the middle of June. J. Carroll, For Prime Minister.

5—A. 1.

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No. 80. New Zealand, No. 40. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 20th March, 1912. With reference to your predecessor's despatch, No. 46, of the year 1908, in which it was requested that copies of any licenses issued in New Zealand for the working of wireless telegraphy on board ships should be forwarded to him, for the information of His Majesty's Postmaster-General, I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of a memorandum from my Prime Minister, together with copy of a license, in duplicate, dated the Ist March, 1.912, for the installation and working of apparatus for wireless telegraphy on board the eight vessels of the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand (Limited) mentioned therein. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P. 0., <fee, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 11th March, 1912. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments to His Excellency, and begs to refer to Colonial Office despatch, No. 46, of the year 1908, in which it was requested that the Secretary of State for the Colonies be supplied with copies, for the information of the Postmaster-General, of any licenses issued in this Dominion for the working of wireless telegraphy on board ships. 'Ihe Prime Minister accordingly encloses, in duplicate, copy of a license, dated the Ist March, 1912, for the installation and working of apparatus for wireless telegraphy on board the undermentioned eight steamers of the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand (Limited) : " Atua," " Maheno," " Manuka," "Maunganui," "Moana," " Moeraki," " Navua," " Talune." J. Carholl.

No. 81. New Zealand, No. 43. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 21st March, 1912. With reference to your despatch, No. 7, of the 10th January, regarding the appointment of Cavaliere G. Ferrando as Vice-Consul in charge of the Italian Consulate-General at Melbourne, with jurisdiction in New Zealand, i have the honour to inform you that my Government has no objection to this gentleman's appointment, and that notice of recognition of the appointment was published in the issue of the New Zealand Gazette of the 7th March, 1912. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., r &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912, No. 144.

No. 82. New Zealand, No. 45. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 28th March, 1912. With reference to your despatch, No. 29, of the 23rd January, inquiring the views of my Government on the suggestions made in your predecessor's despatch, No. 220, of the 23rd September, 1910, on the subject of the Rules of Procedure in the case of Letters of Request for evidence in civil and commercial cases pending before foreign tribunals, I have the honour to inform you that copies of rules made by my Government under the Judicature Act, 1908, of New Zealand, regarding such letters of request, were transmitted to you with my despatch, No. 95, of the 6th July, 1911. 2. My Ministers are of opinion that these rules provide for the first of the suggestions contained in Lord Crewe's despatch; and with regard to the second suggestion, it is considered that Rule 178h will meet such cases. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1912, No. 148.

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• ■■" No/83. • . ; ; .. _ New Zealand, No. 47. . Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 28th March, 1912. With reference to your despatch, No. 2, of the 4th January, transmitting copy of a letter from the Board of Trade forwarding copies of the Copyright Act, 1911, I have the honour to inform you, by request of my Ministers, that the question of introducing legislation to secure uniformity in the law of copyright is under the consideration of the New Zealand Government. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 16th March, 1912. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments, and, in returning G.H. 94 of 1912, covering despatch No. 2 from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, of the 4th January, 1912, relative •to Imperial Copyright Act, 1911, begs to state that the question of introducing legislation to secure uniformity in the law of copyright is under consideration of the Government. J. G. Ward.

No. 84. New Zealand, No. 48. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 11th April, 1912. With reference to my despatch, No. 7, of the 4th January, on the subject of the International Radio-telegraphic Conference to be held in London on the 4th June, 1912, I have the honour to inform you, by request of my Government, that the Honourable Sir William Hall-Jones, K.C.M.G., High Commissioner for New Zealand in London, will represent this Dominion at the Conference. _ I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 85. New Zealand, No. 51. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 11th April, 1912. Referring to your despatch, No. 22, of the 18th January, on the subject of the alliance of certain New Zealand regiments with regiments of the British Army, I have the honour to inform you that the information, referred to in the first paragraph of your despatch, as to the origin of the units concerning which alliance with British regiments is desired accompanied my despatch, No. 9, of the 12th January. 2. With regard to paragraph 2 of your despatch, Ministers report that a complete list showing changes in the organization or designation of New Zealand regiments is being prepared and will be forwarded to me when completed, and that any subsequent changes will be notified as they occur. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 86. New Zealand, No. 52. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 11th April, 1912. With reference to my telegram of the 29th March, informing you that my Government is prepared to take for at least three years fifteen copies of the English translations of each of the three publications of the International Agricultural Institute in question, I have the honour to transmit to you copy

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of the list of persons who have undertaken to subscribe for the translations The balance is required for the use of Government offices. I have, &c. ISLINGTON, The Eight Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. List of Persons who have undertaken to subscribe to the English Translations of the Publications of the International Agriculture Institute.

No. 87. New Zealand, No. 55. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 24th April, 1912. I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of a memorandum, dated 15th April, which I have received from my Prime Minister, on the subject of the retention of the title of " Honourable " by Sir James Carroll, John Andrew Millar, Roderick McKenzie, David Buddo, and Apirana Turupa Ngata, who have ceased to be Members of the Executive Council of this Dominion. My Prime Minister informs me that all these gentlemen have been Members of the Executive Council for more than three years. I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 15th April, 1912. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. Refeering to Governor's despatch of the 7th June, 1894, and to the reply thereto of the Secretary of State, dated the 2nd August, 1894, on the subject of the retention of the title of " Honourable " by members of the Executive Council, the Prime Minister, in order that His Majesty's permission may be gazetted for the Hon. Sir James Carroll, Hon. John Andrew Millar, Hon. Eoderick McKenzie, Hon. David Buddo, and the Hen. Apirana Turupa Ngata to retain the title of "Honourable," respectfully requests His Excellency to report to the Secretary of State that the.se gentlemen have ceased to be members of the Executive Council of this Dominion. Thomas Mackenzie.

Approximate Coat of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing f1,500 copies), f24.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.— 1912.

Pnee It.]

Subscriber. Address. Publications. The Editor and Manager . . D. C. McLennan The Managing Director and Editor The Horowhenua Chronicle, Levin . . The Canterbury Times The Southland Times, Invercargill .. Bulletin of Agricultural Statistics. >> >> Bulletin of Agricultural Statistics ; Bulletin of the Bureau of Economic and Social Intelligence ; Bulletin of Agricultural Information and Plant Diseases. All three. The Editor The Agricultural Editor . . The Secretary The Secretary The Otago Witness, Dunedin The Auckland Weekly News, Auckland The Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Ashburton The Manawatu Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Palmerston North The Fielding Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Box 98, Feilding The Westland Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Hokitika Nihoniho Post Office, Ongarue The Secretary The Secretary Mr. W. Sandison